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1.
Cogn Technol Work ; 25(1): 65-74, 2023 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38516201

ABSTRACT

Background: Older drivers are a rapidly growing demographic group worldwide; many have visual processing impairments. Little is known about their preferences about vehicle instrument cluster design. Methods: We evaluated the psychometric properties of a questionnaire on "dashboard" design for a population-based sample of 1000 older drivers. Topics included gauges, knobs/switches, and interior lighting; items were statements about their visual design. Response options used a Likert-scale ("Definitely True" to "Definitely False"). Factor and Rasch analyses identified underlying subscales. Results: Driver responses revealed four thematic subscales fitting the Rasch model: cognitive processing, lighting, pattern recognition, and obstructions. Internal consistency of subscales was acceptable (0.70-0.87); all possessed a sufficiently unidimensional structure. Opportunities for improvement were identified (item scope, category ordering, discrimination of respondents' perception levels). Conclusions: Assessment of motor vehicle dashboard preferences indicated cognitive processing, lighting, pattern recognition, and obstructions are areas relevant to older drivers. Future work will examine the relationship between older drivers' visual function (e.g., contrast sensitivity, visual processing speed) and their design preferences as revealed by the Dashboard Questionnaire, with the aim to optimize instrument cluster displays for older drivers.

2.
Am J Epidemiol ; 190(5): 843-852, 2021 05 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33184648

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of mental health outcomes in women in the United States with and without documented endometriosis. In a retrospective matched-cohort study using administrative health claims data from Optum's Clinformatics DataMart from May 1, 2000, through March 31, 2019, women aged 18-50 years with endometriosis (n = 72,677), identified by International Classification of Disease diagnosis codes (revisions 9 or 10), were matched 1:2 on age and calendar time to women without endometriosis (n = 147,251), with a median follow-up of 529 days (interquartile range, 195, 1,164). The rate per 1,000 person-years of anxiety, depression, and self-directed violence among women with endometriosis was 57.1, 47.7, and 0.9, respectively. Comparing women with endometriosis to those without, the adjusted hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were 1.38 (1.34, 1.42) for anxiety, 1.48 (1.44, 1.53) for depression, and 2.03 (1.60, 2.58) for self-directed violence. The association with depression was stronger among women younger than 35 years (P for heterogeneity < 0.01). Risk factors for incident depression, anxiety, and self-directed violence among women with endometriosis included endometriosis-related pain symptoms and prevalence of other chronic conditions associated with pain. The identification of risk factors for mental health conditions among women with endometriosis may improve patient-centered disease management.


Subject(s)
Anxiety/epidemiology , Depression/epidemiology , Endometriosis/epidemiology , Endometriosis/psychology , Self-Injurious Behavior/epidemiology , Adolescent , Adult , Female , Humans , Incidence , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , United States/epidemiology
3.
Ophthalmol Retina ; 3(8): 670-680, 2019 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31103641

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: OCT has revealed many details of retinal disease that were not available with older imaging technologies. In eyes of adults older than 60 years with healthy maculas as determined by color fundus photography (CFP) and a validated grading system, we screened for pathologic features using OCT. We also tested visual function to assess potential impact of the observed pathologic features on patients. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: Persons recruited from primary ophthalmology care clinics. METHODS: Color fundus photographs were assessed by the 9-step Age-Related Eye Disease Study scale. OCT macular volumes of participants at step 1 on the Age-Related Eye Disease Study scale, considered healthy, were reviewed by a retina specialist masked to other participant characteristics. Participants were tested for 6 different cone- and rod-mediated visual functions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Percentage of participants with disorders detected on OCT review and visual function measures. RESULTS: In 138 of 984 eyes (14%) considered healthy by CFP, pathologic features were detectable by OCT, with 8.4% having vitreomacular interface disorders. Among the low-prevalence disorders found, 5 eyes (0.5%) showed macular telangiectasia type 2. Relative to eyes lacking detectable chorioretinal pathologic features, eyes with any pathologic features were associated with poorer low-luminance visual acuity and rod-mediated dark adaptation. In eyes with epiretinal membranes, the largest single entity identified (n = 61 [6.2%]), significantly worse visual functions were best-corrected visual acuity (P = 0.0444), low-luminance visual acuity (P = 0.0151), and light sensitivity (central 3° and 9°; P = 0.0035 and P = 0.0097, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Macular pathologic features with functional visual implications not identified by clinical examination or CFP are detectable with OCT. Vitreomacular interface disorders often are visually significant and treatable conditions that are visible on OCT, but are easily missed on CFP and clinical examination. Another such condition best seen on OCT is macular telangiectasia type 2, an untreatable disorder for which a clinical trial is in progress. OCT has a potential role in primary eye care clinics to screen for retinal pathologic features, especially in eyes with decreased visual acuity and otherwise normal examination results.


Subject(s)
Retina/diagnostic imaging , Retinal Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Vitreous Body/diagnostic imaging , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Odds Ratio , Photography , Retina/pathology , Retinal Diseases/physiopathology , Tomography, Optical Coherence/methods , Visual Acuity/physiology , Vitreous Body/physiopathology
4.
J Glaucoma ; 28(6): 481-486, 2019 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30882771

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose was to identify factors associated with older glaucoma patients' knowledge of, perceptions of, and predispositions for telemedicine use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Established patients age 60 years and above with a diagnosis of primary open-angle glaucoma, glaucoma suspect, or ocular hypertension followed by a glaucoma fellowship-trained ophthalmologist were enrolled in the study at an academic, urban, tertiary referral eye clinic. Enrolled patients were administered a Life Space Questionnaire (LSQ), scored 0 to 9, and Preferences for Telemedicine Questionnaire (PTQ), a Likert scale validated tool. χ testing analyzed PTQ responses by age, race, education, employment status, LSQ score, and distance traveled from home address to clinic. A Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare PTQ responses by visual field index and visual acuity for the better and worse eye. RESULTS: Of 110 patients enrolled, 71% of patients agreed or were neutral to receiving telediagnosis and 74% of patients agreed or were neutral to receiving teleintervention. Patients aged 60 to 69 years compared with those 70 and above had significantly greater knowledge about types of telemedicine: telediagnosis (53% vs. 31%, P=0.02), teleintervention (49% vs. 24%, P=0.006), teletriage (80% vs. 47%, P=0.0004), and telemonitoring (55% vs. 27%, P=0.003). Patients of European descent had significantly more knowledge about teletriage compared with those of non-European descent (72% vs. 53%, P=0.04). Patients with more education (>high school) compared with those with less education (≤high school) had more knowledge about telemedicine (39% vs. 16%, P=0.007) and all the uses of it: telediagnosis (61% vs. 45%, P<0.001), teleintervention (54% vs. 14%, P<0.001), teletriage (86% vs. 35%, P<0.001), and telemonitoring (59% vs. 18%, P=0.001). Patients with a LSQ score ≥6, meaning they traveled a greater distance from home in the previous 3 days, displayed significantly more knowledge about telediagnosis (49% vs. 25%, P=0.02), teleintervention (43% vs. 19%, P=0.01), and telemonitoring (47% vs. 25%, P=0.03) than those with an LSQ<6. Responses to the PTQ were not significantly different by distance traveled. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of telemedicine was variable but between one third and one half of patients had favorable attitudes toward using telemedicine for glaucoma care.


Subject(s)
Glaucoma/epidemiology , Glaucoma/psychology , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Patient Preference , Perception , Telemedicine , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Ambulatory Care Facilities , Female , Glaucoma/physiopathology , Humans , Intraocular Pressure , Male , Middle Aged , Patient Preference/psychology , Patient Preference/statistics & numerical data , Surveys and Questionnaires , Telemedicine/methods , Telemedicine/statistics & numerical data , Visual Acuity
5.
J Glaucoma ; 27(12): 1068-1072, 2018 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30234750

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To determine the level of adherence to the American Academy of Ophthalmology preferred practice pattern (PPP) guidelines for quality primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and POAG suspect (POAGS) care among retail-based optometrists. METHODS: Patients with a diagnosis of POAG or POAGS who participated in a telemedicine pilot project were included. Patients' charts were evaluated for 15 elements of PPP guidelines for glaucoma care. Results were further stratified by number of follow-up visits and diagnosis. RESULTS: Of 360 identified patients, 10 elements were documented in over 98%. Documentation of the remaining 5 components was as follows: dilated fundus examination 91.1%, central corneal thickness (CCT) 88.6%, visual field 78.9%, gonioscopy 47.5%, and target intraocular pressure (IOP) 15.6%. in total, 32.8% of patients were seen once, whereas the remaining 67.2% had multiple visits. In patients with multiple visits, providers were more likely to document systemic history (100.0% vs. 97.5%; P=0.0346), review of systems (100.0% vs. 97.5%; P=0.0346), gonioscopy (60.0% vs. 22.0%; P<0.001), CCT (94.2% vs. 77.1%; P<0.001), visual field (97.5% vs. 40.7%; P<0.001), and target IOP (22.4% vs. 1.7%; P<0.001) compared with single visit patients. In stratifying results by diagnosis, POAG patients more often received visual field testing (92.7% vs. 68.9%; P<0.001) and had an established target IOP (35.1% vs. 1.4%; P<0.001) compared with POAGS patients. CONCLUSIONS: Compliance with PPP guidelines for glaucoma care was very high for most elements but lower for performing dilated fundus examination, CCT, visual field, gonioscopy, and target IOP. This study highlights deficiencies in care likely to hamper the detection of glaucoma progression.


Subject(s)
Glaucoma, Open-Angle/diagnosis , Guideline Adherence/standards , Optometrists/standards , Practice Patterns, Physicians'/standards , Academies and Institutes , Aged , Ambulatory Care Facilities , Female , Gonioscopy , Humans , Intraocular Pressure , Male , Middle Aged , Ocular Hypertension/diagnosis , Ophthalmology/standards , Patient Compliance , Physical Examination , Pilot Projects , Tonometry, Ocular , Visual Field Tests , Visual Fields/physiology
6.
Patient Prefer Adherence ; 12: 775-781, 2018.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29785092

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the factors associated with glaucoma patients' satisfaction with their medical care by fellowship-trained glaucoma specialists in an urban tertiary referral clinic in the US. METHODS: A total of 110 established patients aged ≥60 years with a diagnosis of either primary open angle glaucoma, glaucoma suspect, or ocular hypertension monitored by an ophthalmologist with fellowship training in glaucoma were enrolled at an academic, urban, tertiary referral eye clinic. Enrolled patients were administered a general demographics questionnaire along with a Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire-18 (PSQ-18), a Likert scale validated tool. The seven dimensions of patient satisfaction from the PSQ-18 were summarized for the sample overall and by the patients' age, race, employment status, education level, distance travelled from home address to clinic, and glaucoma therapy type. Two-sample t-tests were used to compare group means. Spearman correlation coefficients were used to correlate satisfaction scores with peripheral vision and visual acuity function. RESULTS: Overall, the general satisfaction scores were high (mean 4.62). Patients ≥70 years of age had lower general satisfaction with their care (mean 4.5 vs 4.8, p=0.03), the interpersonal manner of their appointment (mean 4.7 vs 4.9, p=0.009), and with their time spent with their doctor (mean 4.4 vs 4.7, p=0.03) than patients aged 60-69 years. Non-European descent patients (47% African descent and 1% other of sample) were more satisfied with the time they spent with the doctor (mean 4.7 vs 4.4, p=0.04) and with the communication during the appointment (mean 4.8 vs 4.6, p=0.04) than European descent patients (52% of sample). Patients with a higher level of education (>high school degree) were less satisfied with the accessibility and convenience of the appointment (mean 4.3 vs ≤ high school, 4.6, p=0.02). There were no statistically significant differences in patient satisfaction based upon employment status, distance travelled to clinic, prior glaucoma therapy, or visual function. CONCLUSION: Overall, across all dimensions of the PSQ-18, patients were highly satisfied with the care they received at the urban tertiary care glaucoma clinic.

7.
Curr Eye Res ; 43(7): 913-920, 2018 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29634370

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To examine the association between macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and rod-mediated dark adaptation (RMDA) in persons ≥60 years old with normal maculas as determined by an accepted color fundus photography grading system. METHODS: This cross-sectional analysis used baseline data from eyes in the Alabama Study on Early Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Eyes at step 1 in the AREDS 9-step grading system were considered normal. Eyes were additionally assessed by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Foveal MPOD was estimated via heterochromatic flicker photometry, and RMDA was assessed with a computerized dark adaptometer. The association between RMDA and MPOD was examined via Spearman correlation coefficients adjusted for age. RESULTS: In 306 eyes from 306 persons (mean age 68.2 years) in normal macular health, MPOD was not associated with RMDA (age-adjusted rank correlation = 0.043, p = 0.45). After 81 eyes with incidental macular findings by SD-OCT evaluation were excluded, the association between MPOD and RMDA remained null (N = 225, age-adjusted r = 0.015, p = 0.82). CONCLUSION: In a large sample of normal aged eyes, RMDA, a visual function that is rate limited by retinoid availability to photoreceptors across the complex of retinal pigment epithelium, Bruch's membrane, and choriocapillaris, is not related to MPOD in the neurosensory retina.


Subject(s)
Aging , Dark Adaptation/physiology , Macula Lutea/physiopathology , Macular Degeneration/physiopathology , Macular Pigment/metabolism , Retinal Pigment Epithelium/diagnostic imaging , Zeaxanthins/metabolism , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Cross-Sectional Studies , Densitometry , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Macula Lutea/metabolism , Macula Lutea/pathology , Macular Degeneration/diagnosis , Macular Degeneration/metabolism , Male , Middle Aged , Prospective Studies , Reference Values , Retinal Pigment Epithelium/metabolism , Tomography, Optical Coherence/methods , Visual Acuity
8.
Vision Res ; 146-147: 9-17, 2018 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29655781

ABSTRACT

During postnatal refractive development, an emmetropization mechanism uses refractive error to modulate the growth rate of the eye. Hyperopia (image focused behind the retina) produces what has been described as "GO" signaling that increases growth. Myopia (image focused in front of the retina) produces "STOP" signaling that slows growth. The interaction between GO and STOP conditions is non-linear; brief daily exposure to STOP counteracts long periods of GO. In young tree shrews, long-wavelength (red) light, presented 14 h per day, also appears to produce STOP signals. We asked if red light also shows temporal non-linearity; does brief exposure slow the normal decrease in hyperopia in infant animals? At 11 days after eye opening (DVE), infant tree shrews (n = 5/group) began 13 days of daily treatment (red LEDs, 624 ±â€¯10 or 636 ±â€¯10 nm half peak intensity bandwidth) at durations of 0 h (normal animals, n = 7) or 1, 2, 4, or 7 h. Following each daily red period, colony lighting resumed. A 14 h red group had no colony lights. Refractive state was measured daily; ocular component dimensions at the end of the 13-day red-light period. Even 1 h of red light exposure produced some hyperopia. The average hyperopic shift from normal rose exponentially with duration (time constant 2.5 h). Vitreous chamber depth decreased non-linearly with duration (time constant, 3.3 h). After red treatment was discontinued, refractions in colony lighting recovered toward normal; the initial rate was linearly related to the amount of hyperopia. The red light may produce STOP signaling similar to myopic refractive error.


Subject(s)
Eye/growth & development , Hyperopia/physiopathology , Light , Refraction, Ocular/physiology , Tupaia/physiology , Animals , Animals, Newborn , Disease Models, Animal , Retina/radiation effects , Time Factors
9.
JAMA Ophthalmol ; 136(4): 400-408, 2018 04 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29543949

ABSTRACT

Importance: The prevalence of irreversible vision impairment in the United States is expected to increase by 2050. Vision rehabilitation is the primary treatment option. Clinical trials have established its efficacy in improving quality of life. Yet studies indicate that patients experience many barriers to accessing low-vision care. Objectives: To examine the rate of referral for low-vision rehabilitation services by resident and attending ophthalmologists for adults with irreversible vision impairment and to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of patients about vision rehabilitation. Design, Setting, and Participants: Cross-sectional study with enrollment from June 20, 2016, to January 31, 2017, of 143 adults 18 years or older seen in a publicly funded, comprehensive eye clinic in Jefferson County, Alabama, and having 1 or both eyes with irreversible vision impairment (visual acuity was defined as 20/60 or worse) per the electronic health record. Exposures: Demographic characteristics; patient questionnaire on knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about vision rehabilitation; general cognitive status (Short Orientation-Memory-Concentration test); depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9); health literacy (Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine, Revised [REALM-R]); and self-reported difficulty in everyday activities. Main Outcomes and Measures: Proportion of patients with irreversible vision impairment who were referred by ophthalmologists to low-vision rehabilitation services per the electronic health record. Results: Of 143 patients enrolled with irreversible vision impairment in 1 or both eyes, the mean (SD) age was 55.4 (11.1) years and 68 (47.6%) were women. Most patients were African American (123 [86.0%]), uninsured (88 [61.5%]), and unemployed (92 [64.3%]); on average, they had normal cognitive status, minor depressive symptoms, and limited health literacy. As noted in the electronic health record, the rate of referral for low-vision rehabilitation services was 11.4% for patients with irreversible bilateral vision impairment (4 of 35 patients) and 1.9% for those with unilateral impairment (2 of 108). Most patients with bilateral (31 of 34 [91.2%]) and unilateral (90 of 97 [92.8%]) impairment indicated that they were bothered by their vision impairment, and most reported difficulty with reading (33 of 34 patients [97.1%] who were bilaterally impaired vs 85 of 104 [81.7%] who were unilaterally impaired). Conclusions and Relevance: Results of this study suggest a need to better educate ophthalmologists and residents in ophthalmology about referrals to low-vision rehabilitation services for patients with irreversible vision impairment.


Subject(s)
Hospitals, Public , Quality of Life , Referral and Consultation , Vision, Low/rehabilitation , Visual Acuity , Aged , Alabama/epidemiology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Disease Progression , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Prevalence , Prognosis , Retrospective Studies , Surveys and Questionnaires , Vision, Low/epidemiology , Vision, Low/physiopathology
10.
Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci ; 58(14): 6038-6045, 2017 12 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29196768

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To explore the association between presence of subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDD) at baseline in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) with the development of macular atrophy (MA) during anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy. Methods: There were 74 eyes without pre-existing MA receiving anti-VEGF therapy for nAMD for 2 years or longer analyzed. At least two image modalities that included spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, near-infrared reflectance, fluorescein angiography, and color fundus photos were used to assess for SDD presence, phenotype (dot and ribbon), and location, neovascularization type, and MA. Logistic regression models using generalized estimating equations assessed the association between SDD and the development of MA adjusting for age, neovascularization type, and choroidal thickness. Results: SDD were present in 46 eyes (63%) at baseline. MA developed in 38 eyes (51%) during the mean of 4.7 ± 1.2 years of follow-up. Compared with eyes without SDD, those with SDD at baseline were 3.0 times (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-8.5, P = 0.0343) more likely to develop MA. Eyes with SDD present in the inferior macula and inferior extramacular fields at baseline were 3.0 times and 6.5 times more likely to develop MA at follow-up than eyes without SDD in these locations (95% CI 1.0-8.9, P = 0.0461 and 95% CI 1.3-32.4, P = 0.0218, respectively). MA development was not associated with a specific SDD phenotype. Conclusions: MA frequently developed in eyes during anti-VEGF treatment. SDD were independently associated with MA development. The extension of SDD into the inferior fundus, particularly in the inferior extramacular field, conferred higher odds of subsequent MA development.


Subject(s)
Macula Lutea/pathology , Ranibizumab/adverse effects , Retinal Drusen/chemically induced , Wet Macular Degeneration/drug therapy , Aged, 80 and over , Angiogenesis Inhibitors/administration & dosage , Angiogenesis Inhibitors/adverse effects , Female , Fluorescein Angiography , Follow-Up Studies , Fundus Oculi , Humans , Intravitreal Injections , Macula Lutea/drug effects , Male , Ranibizumab/administration & dosage , Retinal Drusen/diagnosis , Retrospective Studies , Time Factors , Tomography, Optical Coherence , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/antagonists & inhibitors , Visual Acuity , Wet Macular Degeneration/diagnosis
11.
Retina ; 37(7): 1329-1336, 2017 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28633153

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To examine the association between subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDDs) identified by multimodal retinal imaging and visual function in older eyes with normal macular health or in the earliest phases of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: Age-related macular degeneration status for each eye was defined according to the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) 9-step classification system (normal = Step 1, early AMD = Steps 2-4) based on color fundus photographs. Visual functions measured were best-corrected photopic visual acuity, contrast and light sensitivity, mesopic visual acuity, low-luminance deficit, and rod-mediated dark adaptation. Subretinal drusenoid deposits were identified through multimodal imaging (color fundus photographs, infrared reflectance and fundus autofluorescence images, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography). RESULTS: The sample included 1,202 eyes (958 eyes with normal health and 244 eyes with early AMD). In normal eyes, SDDs were not associated with any visual function evaluated. In eyes with early AMD, dark adaptation was markedly delayed in eyes with SDDs versus no SDD (a 4-minute delay on average), P = 0.0213. However, this association diminished after age adjustment, P = 0.2645. Other visual functions in early AMD eyes were not associated with SDDs. CONCLUSION: In a study specifically focused on eyes in normal macular health and in the earliest phases of AMD, early AMD eyes with SDDs have slower dark adaptation, largely attributable to the older ages of eyes with SDD; they did not exhibit deficits in other visual functions. Subretinal drusenoid deposits in older eyes in normal macular health are not associated with any visual functions evaluated.


Subject(s)
Dark Adaptation , Macula Lutea/pathology , Retinal Drusen/etiology , Tomography, Optical Coherence/methods , Visual Acuity , Wet Macular Degeneration/complications , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Prospective Studies , Retinal Drusen/diagnosis , Retinal Drusen/physiopathology , Wet Macular Degeneration/diagnosis , Wet Macular Degeneration/physiopathology
12.
JAMA Ophthalmol ; 135(6): 570-575, 2017 06 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28448669

ABSTRACT

Importance: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible vision impairment in older adults in the United States, yet little is known about whether AMD is appropriately diagnosed in primary eye care. Objectives: To examine the prevalence of eyes with AMD in patients seen in primary eye care clinics who purportedly have normal macular health per their medical record and the association of AMD with patient and physician characteristics. Design, Setting, and Participants: In this cross-sectional study of primary eye care practices in Birmingham, Alabama, 644 persons 60 years or older with normal macular health per medical record based on their most recent dilated comprehensive eye examination by a primary eye care ophthalmologist or optometrist were enrolled from May 1, 2009, through December 31, 2011. Data analysis was performed from May 1, 2016, through December 20, 2016. Main Outcomes and Measures: Presence of AMD as defined by the Clinical Age-Related Maculopathy Staging system based on color fundus photography and a masked grader. Types of AMD-associated lesions were noted. Patient health and physician characteristics were collected. Results: The sample consisted of 1288 eyes from 644 participants (231 [35.9%] male and 413 [64.1%] female; mean [SD] age, 69.4 [6.1] years; 611 white [94.9%]) seen by 31 primary eye care ophthalmologists or optometrists. A total of 968 eyes (75.2%) had no AMD, in agreement with their medical record; 320 (24.8%) had AMD despite no diagnosis of AMD in the medical record. Among eyes with undiagnosed AMD, 32 (10.0%) had hyperpigmentation, 43 (13.4%) had hypopigmentation, 249 (77.8%) had small drusen, 250 (78.1%) had intermediate drusen, and 96 (30.0%) had large drusen. Undiagnosed AMD was associated with older patient age (odds ratio [OR], 1.06; 95% CI, 1.04-1.09; P < .001), male sex (age-adjusted OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.02-1.91; P = .04), and less than a high school education (age-adjusted OR, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.03-5.62; P = .04). Prevalence of undiagnosed AMD was not different for ophthalmologists and optometrists (age adjusted OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.71-1.36; P = .94). Conclusions and Relevance: Approximately 25.0% of eyes deemed to be normal based on dilated eye examination by primary eye care physicians had macular characteristics that indicated AMD revealed by fundus photography and trained raters. A total of 30.0% of eyes with undiagnosed AMD had AMD with large drusen that would have been treatable with nutritional supplements had it been diagnosed. Improved AMD detection strategies may be needed in primary eye care as more effective treatment strategies for early AMD become available in the coming years.


Subject(s)
Diagnostic Errors/statistics & numerical data , Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological , Macular Degeneration/epidemiology , Primary Health Care/statistics & numerical data , Aged , Alabama/epidemiology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Macular Degeneration/diagnosis , Male , Middle Aged , Odds Ratio , Prevalence , Prospective Studies , Tomography, Optical Coherence
13.
Sci Rep ; 7: 42545, 2017 02 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28198469

ABSTRACT

The Cngb1 locus-encoded ß-subunit of rod cGMP-gated cation channel and associated glutamic acid rich proteins (GARPs) are required for phototransduction, disk morphogenesis, and rod structural integrity. To probe individual protein structure/function of the GARPs, we have characterized several transgenic mouse lines selectively restoring GARPs on a Cngb1 knockout (X1-/-) mouse background. Optical coherence tomography (OCT), light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and electroretinography (ERG) were used to analyze 6 genotypes including WT at three and ten weeks postnatal. Comparison of aligned histology/OCT images demonstrated that GARP2 accelerates the rate of degeneration. ERG results are consistent with the structural analyses showing the greatest attenuation of function when GARP2 is present. Even 100-fold or more overexpression of GARP1 could not accelerate degeneration as rapidly as GARP2, and when co-expressed GARP1 attenuated the structural and functional deficits elicited by GARP2. These results indicate that the GARPs are not fully interchangeable and thus, likely have separate and distinct functions in the photoreceptor. We also present a uniform murine OCT layer naming nomenclature system that is consistent with human retina layer designations to standardize murine OCT, which will facilitate data evaluation across different laboratories.


Subject(s)
Cyclic GMP/metabolism , Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Cation Channels/genetics , Nerve Tissue Proteins/deficiency , Retinal Degeneration/genetics , Retinal Degeneration/metabolism , Retinal Rod Photoreceptor Cells/metabolism , Alleles , Animals , Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Cation Channels/deficiency , Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Cation Channels/metabolism , Disease Models, Animal , Electroretinography , Gene Order , Genetic Loci , Genotype , Mice , Mice, Knockout , Microscopy , Retinal Degeneration/diagnosis , Retinal Rod Photoreceptor Cells/pathology , Retinal Rod Photoreceptor Cells/ultrastructure , Tomography, Optical Coherence
15.
Am J Ophthalmol ; 174: 113-118, 2017 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27825982

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To examine if racial differences in Bruch's membrane opening minimum rim width (BMO-MRW) in spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) exist, specifically between people of African descent (AD) and European descent (ED) in normal ocular health. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Patients presenting for a comprehensive eye examination at retail-based primary eye clinics were enrolled based on ≥1 of the following at-risk criteria for glaucoma: AD aged ≥40 years, ED aged ≥50 years, diabetes, family history of glaucoma, and/or pre-existing diagnosis of glaucoma. Participants with normal optic nerves on examination received SDOCT of the optic nerve head (24 radial scans). Global and regional (temporal, superotemporal, inferotemporal, nasal, superonasal, and inferonasal) BMO-MRW were measured and compared by race using generalized estimating equations. Models were adjusted for age, sex, and BMO area. RESULTS: SDOCT scans from 269 eyes (148 participants) were included in the analysis. Mean global BMO-MRW declined as age increased. After adjusting for age, sex, and BMO area, there was not a statistically significant difference in mean global BMO-MRW by race (P = .60). Regionally, the mean BMO-MRW was lower in the crude model among AD eyes in the temporal, superotemporal, and nasal regions and higher in the inferotemporal, superonasal, and inferonasal regions. However, in the adjusted model, these differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: BMO-MRW was not statistically different between those of AD and ED. Race-specific normative data may not be necessary for the deployment of BMO-MRW in AD patients.


Subject(s)
Bruch Membrane/anatomy & histology , Glaucoma/diagnosis , Optic Disk/diagnostic imaging , Racial Groups , Tomography, Optical Coherence/methods , Adult , Alabama/epidemiology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Glaucoma/ethnology , Humans , Incidence , Male , Middle Aged , Reference Values
16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27274329

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To assess the impact of the education program of the Eye Care Quality and Accessibility Improvement in the Community (EQUALITY) telemedicine program on at-risk patients' knowledge about glaucoma and attitudes about eye care as well as to assess patient satisfaction with EQUALITY. PATIENTS AND METHODS: New or existing patients presenting for a comprehensive eye exam (CEE) at one of two retail-based primary eye clinics were enrolled based on ≥1 of the following at-risk criteria for glaucoma: African Americans ≥40 years of age, Whites ≥50 years of age, diabetes, family history of glaucoma, and/or preexisting diagnosis of glaucoma. A total of 651 patients were enrolled. A questionnaire was administered prior to the patients' CEE and prior to the patients receiving any of the evidence-based eye health education program; a follow-up questionnaire was administered 2-4 weeks later by phone. Baseline and follow-up patient responses regarding knowledge about glaucoma and attitudes about eye care were compared using McNemar's test. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association of patient-level characteristics with improvement in knowledge and attitudes. Overall patient satisfaction was summarized. RESULTS: At follow-up, all patient responses in the knowledge and attitude domains significantly improved from baseline (P≤0.01 for all questions). Those who were unemployed (odds ratio =0.63, 95% confidence interval =0.42-0.95, P=0.026) or had lower education (odds ratio =0.55, 95% confidence interval =0.29-1.02, P=0.058) were less likely to improve their knowledge after adjusting for age, sex, race, and prior glaucoma diagnosis. This association was attenuated after further adjustment for other patient-level characteristics. Ninety-eight percent (n=501) of patients reported being likely to have a CEE within the next 2 years, whereas 63% (n=326) had a CEE in the previous 2 years. Patient satisfaction with EQUALITY was high (99%). CONCLUSION: Improved knowledge about glaucoma and a high intent to pursue eye care may lead to improved detection of early disease, thus lowering the risk of blindness.

17.
Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci ; 57(4): 1782-9, 2016 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27074381

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: In older eyes in normal macular health, we examined associations between impaired photopic acuity, mesopic acuity, spatial contrast sensitivity, light sensitivity, and the presence of low luminance deficit (difference between photopic and mesopic acuity) at baseline and incident AMD 3 years later. Associations were compared with an association between delayed rod-mediated dark adaptation and incident AMD, previously reported for this cohort. METHODS: Enrollees were 60 years or older. Eyes at step 1 in the AREDS nine-step classification system based on masked grading of color fundus photographs were included. Photopic and mesopic acuity, contrast sensitivity, and light sensitivity, and the presence of low luminance deficit, were measured at baseline. Demographic, lifestyle, general health, and blood markers were assessed at baseline as potential confounders. Three years later fundus grading was repeated to determine AMD presence. RESULTS: For the analysis, 827 eyes of 467 persons were eligible. Impaired mesopic acuity at baseline was associated with incident AMD, age-adjusted rate ratio (RR) 1.57 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-2.35), whereas impaired photopic acuity, contrast sensitivity and macular light sensitivity, and the presence of a low luminance deficit were not. The mesopic acuity association was slightly weaker than the association between abnormal dark adaptation and incident AMD (RR 1.85, 95% CI 1.07-3.20). CONCLUSIONS: Impaired mesopic acuity in eyes in normal macular health is a risk factor for incident early AMD 3 years later, however, photopic acuity, contrast sensitivity, and light sensitivity, and the presence of a low luminance deficit are not risk factors.


Subject(s)
Color Vision/physiology , Contrast Sensitivity/physiology , Dark Adaptation/physiology , Macula Lutea/physiology , Macular Degeneration/physiopathology , Mesopic Vision/physiology , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Alabama/epidemiology , Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological , Disease Progression , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Incidence , Macular Degeneration/diagnosis , Macular Degeneration/epidemiology , Male , Middle Aged , Photic Stimulation , Prognosis , Reference Values , Time Factors
18.
Ophthalmology ; 123(5): 1090-100, 2016 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26875000

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To assess the prevalence of subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDD) in older adults with healthy maculas and early and intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD) using multimodal imaging. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 651 subjects aged ≥60 years enrolled in the Alabama Study of Early Age-Related Macular Degeneration from primary care ophthalmology clinics. METHODS: Subjects were imaged using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD OCT) of the macula and optic nerve head (ONH), infrared reflectance, fundus autofluorescence, and color fundus photographs (CFP). Eyes were assessed for AMD presence and severity using the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) 9-step scale. Criteria for SDD presence were identification on ≥1 en face modality plus SD OCT or on ≥2 en face modalities if absent on SD OCT. Subretinal drusenoid deposits were considered present at the person level if present in 1 or both eyes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of SDD in participants with and without AMD. RESULTS: Overall prevalence of SDD was 32% (197/611), with 62% (122/197) affected in both eyes. Persons with SDD were older than those without SDD (70.6 vs. 68.7 years, P = 0.0002). Prevalence of SDD was 23% in subjects without AMD and 52% in subjects with AMD (P < 0.0001). Among those with early and intermediate AMD, SDD prevalence was 49% and 79%, respectively. After age adjustment, those with SDD were 3.4 times more likely to have AMD than those without SDD (95% confidence interval, 2.3-4.9). By using CFP only for SDD detection per the AREDS protocol, prevalence of SDD was 2% (12/610). Of persons with SDD detected by SD OCT and confirmed by at least 1 en face modality, 47% (89/190) were detected exclusively on the ONH SD OCT volume. CONCLUSIONS: Subretinal drusenoid deposits are present in approximately one quarter of older adults with healthy maculae and in more than half of persons with early to intermediate AMD, even by stringent criteria. The prevalence of SDD is strongly associated with AMD presence and severity and increases with age, and its retinal topography including peripapillary involvement resembles that of rod photoreceptors. Consensus on SDD detection methods is recommended to advance our knowledge of this lesion and its clinical and biologic significance.


Subject(s)
Macula Lutea/diagnostic imaging , Multimodal Imaging , Optic Disk/diagnostic imaging , Retinal Drusen/epidemiology , Wet Macular Degeneration/epidemiology , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Apolipoprotein A-I/blood , Apolipoproteins B/blood , C-Reactive Protein/metabolism , Complement System Proteins/metabolism , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Prevalence , Prospective Studies , Retinal Drusen/blood , Retinal Drusen/diagnostic imaging , Tomography, Optical Coherence , Wet Macular Degeneration/blood , Wet Macular Degeneration/diagnostic imaging
19.
Prog Community Health Partnersh ; 8(2): 169-79, 2014.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25152098

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection is highest among Black women and women of low socio economic position (SEP). These groups face inequities in access to health information on HPV. OBJECTIVES: Our study sought to understand key information channels for delivering health information regarding HPV and the HPV vaccine to Black women of low SEP in Boston, Massachusetts. We anticipated that, owing to a legacy of experiences of discrimination, Black women of low SEP would prefer information from trusted and accessible sources, including friends, family, and community agencies, rather than clinical providers. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative analysis using focus groups. We conducted five focus groups among 25 women in Boston, Massachusetts. RESULTS: Contrary to what we anticipated, we found that women in all of the focus groups preferred to receive information from a physician or health center. Participants preferred to receive print materials they could triangulate with other sources. Notably, study participants had high access to care. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that physicians are trusted and preferred sources of information on HPV for Black women of low SEP in Boston. Our data underscore an important avenue for intervention: to improve dissemination of HPV-related information through physicians, including outreach in community settings.


Subject(s)
Black or African American , Consumer Health Information/methods , Papillomavirus Vaccines/administration & dosage , Trust , Vulnerable Populations , Adult , Aged , Community-Based Participatory Research , Female , Focus Groups , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Humans , Massachusetts , Middle Aged , Papillomavirus Infections/ethnology , Papillomavirus Infections/prevention & control , Socioeconomic Factors
20.
Behav Ther ; 45(3): 430-42, 2014 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24680236

ABSTRACT

Behavioral interventions for insomnia are effective in improving sleep, yet adherence is variable, and predictors of adherence have not been consistently replicated. The relationships between daily variations in state factors at the initiation of treatment and adherence have not been investigated. Using 2-week, self-report online logs, this study determined, among 53 college students with probable insomnia, the associations of pretreatment factors and daily factors during treatment on daily variations in adherence to one session of behavioral treatments for insomnia. These treatments included stimulus control therapy (SCT), sleep restriction therapy (SRT), and sleep hygiene (SH). Low self-efficacy was associated with poorer SCT and SH adherence. Participants with a "bed partner or pet" at least some of the time had better SCT adherence. Greater total sleep time and poorer sleep quality were associated with poor SCT and SRT adherence the following night. Greater sleep efficiency was related to greater next night SCT and SRT adherence. Alcohol consumption was related to poorer SRT and SH adherence the following night. Future studies should test the replicability of these findings. Adherence trials may want to test whether discouraging alcohol intake, enhancing treatment-related self-efficacy, and monitoring and providing feedback on sleep, early in treatment, affects adherence.


Subject(s)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/methods , Patient Compliance/psychology , Self Efficacy , Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/therapy , Sleep/physiology , Adolescent , Adult , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Male , Prognosis , Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/psychology , Treatment Outcome , Young Adult
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